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What’s the deal with the Russell Group?

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1 in 5 – that’s the number of students in the UK that are enrolled in a Russell Group university. But what actually is the Russell Group? Here’s the low-down.

What is it?

The Russell Group, compromised of universities across the UK including Oxford, Cambridge, Bristol, Warwick, Cardiff, Sheffield, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Queen’s University in Belfast, and the London School of Economics, total 24 universities, with programmes ranging from the medical and biological sciences, including Chemistry and Medicine, to the social sciences and humanities, including Business, Journalism, and English Literature.

What do they do?

They are an integral part of higher education in the UK, and in addition to UK student interest, command a large body of international students who, like their British counterparts, look to broaden their horizons through the pursuit of a higher education, whether at the undergraduate level, or at the Master’s or doctorate degree level. They pride themselves on advancement and contributions to British life as well as that of general well-being and society.

How connected are they?

These universities may belong to the same group, but many of them are distinct, especially when it comes to the research potential and student life. Therefore, they each have distinct pros and cons attached to each of them, whether it’s the quality of the programme or the reputation of the campus of other aspects – something that should be considered when you are making a decision on what university you should attend or what programme you should pursue.

How competitive are they?

Indeed, the spots at a Russell Group university are very competitive, so if you are applying, consider the deadlines for that specific university and/or the specific programme you wish to enrol in, because it is likely that the spots will, once the deadlines pass, go quickly. In addition, if you are applying to Oxford and Cambridge, be expected to pay the £50 application fee, due at the time of application. There also are generous financial assistance packages depending on which university in the Group you apply to.

Still, the Russell Group of universities, which are based across the length and breadth of the UK, are here to stay, and remain the pinnacle of higher education offerings in Britain. If you select to attend one of the many universities in that Group, you will get a unique education experience. Yet, remember this, no two universities are alike, and so the experience of university life will be what you make of it, whether you study in the Russell Group or not.

It’s all about you at your university experience.

What do you think of the Russell Group? Let us know in the comments below.

Photo: www.audio-luci-store.it / Flickr

Alex VeenemanWhat’s the deal with the Russell Group?

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